Wilfred Mannisto
(May 29, 1941 - November 3, 2006)
 

Wilfred “Willy” Mannisto, age 65, of M-94, Eben, died at his home at 2:25 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2006 under the care of his family and Northwoods Hospice. He was born on May 29, 1941 in Marquette to the late Paavo “Matt” and Martha (Jokinen) Mannisto. Willy grew up on the family farm in the Chatham and Eben area and he graduated from Eben High School. He married Karen Ulvi on January 5, 1963. Willy worked for the Local Carpenter’s Union for many years. He played softball with Chatham’s V & B Bar team for many years. He enjoyed bowling, playing horseshoes, deer hunting, fishing, and trapping when he was younger. Willy always had a twinkle in his eyes that would make friends and family smile, “and that’s no……………..”

He is survived by his wife of over forty-three years – Karen Mannisto of Eben Junction; their five children – Wilfred “Willy” (Thelma) Mannisto of Menominee, MI, Wade (Christine) Mannisto of Munising, Daniel “Boone” (Sheila) Mannisto of Green Bay, WI, Rene (Mike) Piche of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Gregory (Heather) Mannisto of Eben Junction; Tufa’s grandchildren – Jessica, Ryan, Amanda, Michael, Justin, Jaci, Nathan, Alyson, Madyson, Jenna, and Paavo; sister – Eleanor Brisson of Limestone; brother – Charles “Chuck” (Virginia) Mannisto of Chatham; and numerous nieces and nephews. Willy was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Irene Ogren, and a brother-in-law Bill Brisson.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 and also at the church on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Pastor Paul Kelto will conduct Willy’s funeral service at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at 12:00 noon. Marc “Lobo” Johnson, Lyle Kirby, Joe Hawley, Martin Maki, Ken Posio, Dow Dawson, Albert Ikkala, Alan Laakso, Jim Seppi, Donald Maki,and Pete Ostanek will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.

Submitted by Char Livermore